We use a lot of inside jargon in higher education and it can sometimes get confusing and over the years I've heard parents ask for clarification on terms or acronyms we use at MVNU. So we've compiled a list of common terms that you may hear from your son/daughter, it's not a complete list, but it's a start. Don't worry--there will not be a quiz at end!

Gotcha: A J-term tradition where students sign-up to participate in the game and are hunting other students (with squirt guns) where in the end only one person is left standing.

586: A location on campus, located in the PSU, where students can hang out order a wide selection of food options including: coffee, smoothies, cold drinks, hamburgers, fries, chicken fingers, etc. Named after State Route 586, on which MVNU is located.

PSU: The Prince Student Union is connected to the DRC and houses the 586 as a well as a student game room with flat screen TVs, pool tables, foosball, and game tables.

SLC: Student Leadership Conference is a gathering of student leaders prior to the start of the fall semester for training, workshops, and development of student leaders.

GPA: Grade Point Average

J-Term: January Term is a unique time in the academic calendar when students have the option to travel for academic and cultural experiences both in the U.S. and around the globe. Students not traveling are able to complete up to four credit hours during an intensive format where they meet five days a week for approximately three and a half weeks.

"Psychling" Bike Trip: One of the many trip experiences during J-term where students bike over 1,100 miles through California and Arizona as part of a study on human dynamics and group behaviors.

CoSMO: Community Service and Ministry Opportunities are student led organizations that are resourced through the Campus Ministries division which focus on community outreach, interaction, ministry and service.

SGA: Student Government Association is a group of student leaders who have been elected and/or appointed to serve as a representative body to the MVNU administration. They are responsible for a number of activities, campus initiatives, community events, ministry opportunities, and student representation on campus committees and councils.

RA: Resident Assistants are upperclassmen students that work with RDs in the campus residence halls and apartments. Focusing on relationship development, student accountability, and educational programming, these student leaders serve as a resource to our residential students.

RD: Resident Directors are professional staff members who live in the residence halls and apartments on campus that oversee a designated residential area. They supervise a team of RAs, develop relationships with students, oversee physical needs of the residence areas, provide student accountability, and maintain a living environment that is conducive for academic success.

SLA: Spiritual Life Assistants work in the residence areas with RDs and RAs and are trained and resourced by the Campus Ministries Division. They serve as peer mentors who intentionally build relationships in the freshmen residence halls and offer spiritually formative programs.

RHA: Resident Health Advisors assist our campus nurse and health office during the evening and weekend hours when the office is closed. Often these students are nursing or pre-med majors and receive training in dealing with minor injuries and can assist as a first responder in more serious medical situations until professional staff arrives.

124: The number of earned credits necessary for graduation.

Cougar Crazies: Student fans that cheer on the MVNU Intercollegiate Athletic Teams; a club by the same name, help to coordinate spirit nights, pep rallies, and road game trips.

Road Bucks: Funds that students can have assigned to their own personal account at the 586. The funds can be accessed on the student's ID card and can be used for purchasing food, beverages, and snacks on campus. Each spring and fall $25 are transferred to the student's road buck accounts as part of their meal plan.

Cougar Card: A discount card produced and sold by SGA. The card offers students access to special events free or charge or at a discounted price. The card also allows students discounts to area businesses throughout the year.

The Barn (a.k.a. The Den): Is one of the original buildings on campus that has been used for many different purposes during the university's history. Recently renovated, the Barn now features a large banquet room, kitchen serving facilities, a conference room. The lower level houses the student newspaper and yearbook offices as well as additional faculty office space.

The Grove: Part of the beautiful 400-acre campus, this large park like setting is the location of the annual SonFest Music Festival, University Games, and many other campus events, concerts, and activities throughout the year.

Small Groups: A program promoted and resourced by the campus ministries division on campus. These groups of students are formed and meet as Bible studies and accountability groups.

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form that can be filled out annually by current and anticipating university students (both undergraduate and graduate) to determine their eligibility for federal student financial aid.

Round Room: Room 133 in the Free Enterprise Business Center. This unique room on campus is utilized primarily for classes and large meeting space.

FEBC: Free Enterprise Business Center

S.I.: Supplemental Instruction is a program run by our Academic Support Office that provide opportunities for students to have additional out of class preparation for many courses on campus.

FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Well, I think that's enough for round one. Again, this is just a rough sketch, but hopefully this may help you out next time you find yourself scratching your head while your son or daughter is talking your ear off on the phone.